Here are some of the sample actions that could inspire and move organizers to work for the National Day of Action on November 10th 2012

A. Renewable energy projects

Small scale renewable energy projects is one of the most powerful ways to communicate the idea that coal based energy is not necessary to meet the energy demands of the people.

For example, a possible project could be to identify villages in the vicinity of a proposed thermal power plant and work to introduce solar energy in their homes. This project could prove to be a powerful symbolic action that can go a long way!

B. Art projects

Art is an essential tool of communication and there are lots of ways we can use it to engage people on a certain issue. As a tool to educate, inspire and move people to action, art has a lot of potential for social change.

Some of the possible ways to use art and present the idea of India moving beyond coal.

b1. Human art – involves the formation of large structures/shapes with human beings. Hundreds of people could gather at a public space and participate in a formation that depicts the need for India to move beyond coal. For example, a human formation in the shape of a windmill or a coal fired power plant next to a windmill separated by an arrow to signify the transition that we need.

b2. Art gallery – Using public spaces as art galleries where paintings and pictures can be exhibited to depict the fact that coal based growth is only hurting India and how renewable energy solutions are already beginning to provide light and a healthy living to thousands of families across India.

b3. Other fine arts- Recruiting local theater and street theater groups to perform skits and plays that break down the challenge for the general understanding of the public.

b4. Using music, cinema and photography as other mediums to make the issue mainstream. Film screenings, small scale concerts/gigs, photo contests/exhibitions are all powerful methods to educate and push people to act.

b5. Unconventional art – caricatures, graffiti art, flash mobs etc are other forms of expression that could be used for the day of action.

Check out 350.org’s ARTIVIST GUIDE for more ideas on working in an art build, making creative material for campaigns and unleashing the potential of art based activism.

Organizing small 1 day workshops on the issue of coal, climate change and renewable energy to educate and move people to action. These trainings could be organized in college campuses, schools and other institutions that are vital stakeholders of this issue.

The trainings can be presented by anybody after an orientation by a 350.org staff member. Presentations can be requested by filling this form.

D. Rallies and Marches

Rallies and marches are a common tactic employed by many campaigners to push a message. Rallies are effective if they bring large number of people together in support of a particular issue. India Beyond Coal rallies will challenge India’s dependence on coal and urge the policy makers to look at alternate renewable energy policy for India’s development.

Rallies are already being planned in key locations across the country with region specific asks while driving home the common theme of moving away from coal and towards renewable.

E. Online petitions and deliveries

Launching petitions directed towards key policy or political figures in local constituencies or at the national level, urging an immediate investment in pushing for local, decentralized renewable energy options instead of depending on coal based growth.

F. Media engagement

Pushing mainstream media for stories around coal, decentralized renewable energy, climate change and the future energy scenario for India. This would involve pushing for panel discussions and debates, print stories on these critical issues that have not happened so far.

G. Solidarity Letters

It’s a very simple and effective action. The action would involve major issue groups in the country working on health, human rights, cultural heritage, marine life etc to issue press statements on the impacts of coal on their area of work and urge the Government to move away from coal.

Creatives

A lot of creatives will be produced as part of the campaign. Some of these will include a launch video, infographics; interviews with activists, campaigners, impacted communities; memes and other offline and online creatives for the campaign. Visit www.indiabeyondcoal.org/wave